Good morning! I just want to let you know it’s been wonderful to hear from some of you how the 100 Days of Pursuit has impacted you. It’s encouraging—and I need encouragement!
Today I hit my first “writer’s block” since I started. Now, suddenly, getting to 100 seems daunting. But I’m trusting in the Lord to put on my heart what to write. Because I’m writing and editing each piece all in one day I’ve had to rely on God deeply. It’s actually been transformative for me. Today I’m just going to start writing, unfiltered, and see where it goes :)
Struggle
It seems like so many people, whether Protestant or Catholic or seeker, really struggle with this idea of having a close friendship with God. They understand what it means to love people, to be honest, to be hardworking, to care for the poor, and other elements of moral living. But talking to God feels strange. It may be the fact that God is invisible to our eyes that makes it a challenge for some. Or perhaps that when we pray to God, He doesn’t speak back to us audibly.
I’m not sure what all the reasons are that people struggle so much to pray. I just know that they do, and it very much breaks my heart. I want to not just tell people they should pray, but I want to show them how to pray. Many feel that having a close friendship with God is out of reach. They imagine it’s only for those “super saints” like Moses or Paul, Francis of Assisi or Anna.
Ah, it really tears me up that so many people struggle to know their Maker. We were made for knowing God. It’s the very purpose of our existence. I believe all humans know this deep down which is why they crave spiritual things their entire lives. We can’t help but to know that there is more to life than just what we see in the physical world. Sometimes I wish I could stand on the highest rooftop and proclaim to the whole world that God is real, and we can know Him! But most would just think I’m crazy.
How can I help?
What occupies my mind a lot is the question of how to help people to find a deep relationship with God. Much of my time is devoted to preaching and teaching because it seems like the most direct way to influence people. But, of course, it only influences people who come to the church. I also like writing because it touches people beyond the walls of the church.
What can I preach or teach or write to really help people find a close relationship with God? A lot of people are saying a lot of things these days. With the dawn of social media, now everyone has a voice; everyone has a story to tell and a spiritual experience to testify of. Sometimes the world feels like a giant room and everyone has their boombox cranked to their favorite station. It’s so hard to get people to listen.
I’ve actually been able to speak to a lot of people over the years at church gatherings, weddings, funerals, worship events, school assemblies, outdoor festivals, prisons, nursing homes, college campuses, and even the subway station at 42nd street in New York City. I’ve often labored in prayer for days, sometimes with fasting, so that my words will awaken people to who God is.
I know some have been touched, and I know that we can’t always tell how people are affected—but, I can’t help feeling like many people just view my message as yet another interesting story. They probably believe that I believe what I’m saying, but they really don’t believe it’s true. They may even compliment me in my oratory as though I am a theatrical performer.
Hungry ones
Those of you joining me in this 100 day pursuit are of a different sort I know. You’ve tasted something of divine goodness. You know that God is real. Stories I’ve shared with you about encountering the Lord resonate as true. You know there’s more and you are going after it.
Just like I’m getting a little weary of writing each day, I imagine you may be getting a little weary in this pursuit of God. Keep going. Keep pushing through. Don’t give up. You will eventually hit water. You will eventually see His glory. I wish I could tell you that all that’s required is a nominal effort, but I can’t. Those who seek for Him and search for Him with all their hearts—shall find Him!
I love Jesus
Pray that God would give me wisdom to give to you in your pursuit. I’m really trying to give you everything I know to help you. At this stage of my life I tell you—as God is my witness, I am not lying—that my relationship with Christ is pure sweetness. I just love Him so much, and I love His presence more than anything in this world.
I hesitate to share too much because I don’t want to sound like I’m boasting, but I want you to know what is possible. Most days I pray all day. There’s a constant flow of prayer in my heart like a bubbling brook. Oh, I struggle and am afflicted at times—often, in fact—but there’s an ever-present sense that the Lord’s hand is on my life.
There have been times when the portal to heaven opened wide. Showers of divine love poured out. I’ve wept at times as though God gave me a touch of His own love and grief for humanity. Ah, I’m a fool to even tell you any of this, but, my friends, I want you to know there’s more! There are depths to be explored. Don’t hold onto this world—to things, to money, to sins, to fears, to reputation, to pride, to religion, to dogma, to dreams. Throw it all to the wind and let God take you where He wants you to go. This is your time. This is your one life on earth to lay your life down for the Savior. Don’t hold back. Push into the depths.
He will do it for you
The glory of God is within reach to all of us. I’m nothing, nothing, nothing. I’m telling you—again, God is my witness, I am not lying—I am the biggest fattest sinner saved by grace. I am the poster child for weakness. I’m a pathetic human being. I’ve struggled with selfishness and laziness, fear and anxiety. I’ve struggled with all kinds of sins. I’ve struggled with loving myself. And with inadequacy. I’ve struggled with melancholy and I’ve struggled with prayer. I’ve struggled to think clearly. If God has revealed Himself to an undeserving sinner like me and brought me into the depths of His love, then—He will certainly do the same for you. Keep hungering after Him.